Anne gives thanks, and a critique!
Picture book writers don’t get much room for acknowledgments in their books, but we have so many people to thank. Now that BLOB - the debut picture book of Anne Appert (HarperCollins) - is shining on shelves everywhere…
Illustration by Anne Appert, Leah Hong and Neesha Hudson
… it’s time to say THANKS!
Here’s a message from debut picture book author-illustrator Anne Appert:
I’m so grateful for this opportunity to gush about the amazing community surrounding me and Blob. The process of bringing this book into the world has been a journey filled with so many supportive people along the way. Without them, I’m sure this book wouldn’t exist.
First of all, thank you to my wonderful, ginormous family. You are the best publicity team an author could ask for, and I am so thankful to all of you for being in my corner. Especially thanks to you, Mom and Dad, for constantly supporting my dreams: from helping me get to art school in NYC to letting me take over half your basement as my art studio. Thank you for always being there.
Thank you to my first agent Emma for taking a chance on me, and to my current agent Charlotte for believing in me and helping me navigate my career. To my editor and designer, Luana and Chelsea, thank you for believing in this book wholeheartedly from the first moment you met Blob. I cannot imagine a better team to work with, and I’m so happy Blob found you!
The best part of this journey has been meeting and growing with other writers and illustrators who have been the most amazing cheerleaders. Thanks to my NJ SCBWI friends Mike Ciccotello, Mike Malbrough, Mary Worley, Julia Mills, Susan Bednarski, Lynnor Bontigao, Nina Mata, Leeza Hernandez, Rosanne Kurstedt and Laura Sassi. You’ve all played an important part in my journey as a writer and illustrator. Thanks to my Madison crew Judy Palermo, Jacqui Boulter, Kara Sibilia, Marlaina Cockcroft, Eileen Cameron, Jamie Nanfara, and M.O. Yuksel for helping me become the writer I am. I couldn’t end this list without including Christine Rodenbour; thank you for being my first critique partner and for being a constant support.
Without Scout Underhill and Sandra Salsbury, I would have given in to the stress of prepping for publication day many times. I appreciate you both soooo much more than I could ever put into words.
Thank you to Leah Hong, Jess Hernandez, Amanda Rawson Hill, Shar Petersen, Jen Matarese, Kaitlyn Sanchez, Ellie Terry, and James McGowan for your support and for welcoming me into your group during this process. A special shout out goes to James, not only for introducing me to this group, but also for putting up with me during this debut journey. I appreciate you stressing out with me and infusing this whole process with humor. I’m really happy our books are pub day twins. I owe you so much, friend!
Lastly, many, many thanks to the debut troupe. This journey would not have been nearly as successful without your support and knowledge. Thank you!
To show appreciation for the picture book community, Anne is giving away a picture book manuscript or dummy critique!
To enter:
Follow Anne Appert on Twitter (@Anne_Appert)
Follow PB Debut Troupe 21 on Twitter (@PBTroupe21)
Retweet the Troupe’s “Thank You” giveaway tweet
ONE winner will be chosen at random by September 27, 2021. A Troupe member will be in touch about how to claim your prize.
Anne’s debut picture book is available for sale now!
Here’s how to buy BLOB!
For signed copies (*provide a note that you’d like your copy signed): Words Bookstore
Other purchase links: HarperCollins
